Bolser started off as a marketing agency near Leeds airport. It is a family run business. I popped in for a studio visit where we talked about several subjects that were essential for me to understand which path I want to take after my degree. It was a Senior designer, Ryan who talked to me about what Bolser produce.
The whole purpose of the visit was to understand a designers part when working in a studio producing design for new formats. This is something I am interested in but didn't know too much about. I jotted down notes from the chat so the following will be bullet points of what I learnt whilst there.
- The program used to create apps for Andriod and Iphone formats is Appcelerator.
- Each format needs its own design and coding, if its something simple the Andriod and iphone can be shared.
- Bolser mainly produce for Nokia formats
Design Process for creating an app
- Brief, all designers meet and brainstorm ideas
- The coding team create API of what the app needs to do
- User Flow chart - Site map (designer)
- Wire framing- omnigraffle, Program used
- User Interface sits on top of programming
- Preset Templates from smashing magazine for different formats
- User exceptance testing. Two people test the app in the studio and tick off the API, and note any problems before sending the app off.
The above was really useful, I also was given a rough idea of each stage of the design process. The app was for O2 a rewards scheme but for a new Nokia. It seems the designers do get more time than expected to produce the visuals.
We then looked at my PDF and he seemed really happy with the work I had produce, he directed me to the smashingmagazine.com for free UI & Website presets which will be really useful for my third year.
We then Spoke about new technologies such as NFC, which is a new tagging system which is expected to become popular in the next year or two, I have started to research into NFC and would like to use this when possible in my third year. DC Blog
Then finally I asked if you was looking to employ a designer for Bolser What would you expect and like to see.
- A lot of Visuals
- Creative Ideas
- And if it was to be built would the app work.
Ryan then asked if I had sent emails to other agencies and I explained that I had but it was hard to get replies, Bolser is a family run agency and are always happy to talk to young creatives, Ryan also suggested to email madebypi and the Engine Room.
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Thursday 25 August 2011
Engine Room Leeds
This is an agency I have emailed today. Really concentrate on new technologies and apps. Quite like this idea of presenting the concept for Asda and to see how professionals also present.
Progress
After a week I have heard back from one agency, Bolser based in Leeds and today I payed a day visit to find out what knowledge it takes to design for new technology formats. I was also reccomened to try another two agencies in Leeds to find out more information in apps.
Wednesday 17 August 2011
PocketApp London
London Office
7 Swallow Place
London
W1B 2AG
UK
Tel: +44 20 7183 4388
Fax: +44 20 7379 0801
Bolser Leeds
Bolser
Leeds
bolser
3
Moorfield Mills
Leeds
LS19 7EA
apps@bolser.co.uk
From initial idea to final testing, we take care of the entire mobile application development process. We develop foriPhone, iPad, Windows Phone, Android, Ovi (Nokia) andBlackberry. PRINCE2 project management makes sure everything runs smoothly, on time and on budget. And because our background is in marketing, we can help you make your mobile app work as part of a larger strategy.
To see our expertise in integrated campaigns go to the mainbolser.co.uk website.
Signature Digital Leicester
Signature Digital
6 Dominus Way,
Meridian Business Park,
Leicester,
LE19 1RP
Tel: 0116 326 0900
Fax: 0116 326 0905
Email: info@signaturedigital.co.uk
Our creative team provide everything you need for the web... and we don't even look that strange! Why not arrange a meeting to come in and talk to us - we'd love to meet you. Call us on 0116 282 2181.
What can you expect from Signature Digital
Services that grow your business
We deliver when we say we are going to deliver
Expert advice, a strategy, a plan
No Jargon, the answers you need in plain English
Services that you can easily manage in-house
We give you a competitive edge
Increasing your sales and enquiries
Hedgehog Lab - Newcastle
Hedgehog lab
Suite 12 & 13, The Kiln
Hoults Yard, Walker Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE6 1AB
United Kingdom
We help build software for mobile, the web, and desktop. We love to work with clients who want a honest, transparent supplier to help build their next website, implement a bespoke software system or need advice on scaling their web platform.
What do we stand for?
We have our own unique take on writing software and how business should be run. Our core values define why we take pride in what we do.
Build software people love
We aren't content with building software that are merely useful or good. We want to build the best products that our customers will love and rave about.
We care immensely about the products we build, and we pay attention to every detail from usability to quality of what we deliver. We want to build affordable, usable software that doesn't involve learning.
Turn customers into fans
We strive constantly to exceed all expectations. Customer Service isn't just an operational tool to us. We believe exceptional customer service is a competitive advantage and a core part of doing business.
People are our greatest assets
Although our business is building software, we believe that our people are our most valuable intellectual property. We believe that if you create a great working environment for people and empower them with the right tools, great products and service will be natural outcomes.
Size doesn't matter
We believe that hiring more people doesn't necessarily equal better performance or signify growth. We would rather work with 5 exceptional people who have immense talent, than flood our organisation with mediocre people churning out sub-standard products.
Red- C Landan
Red C is a full-service provider of digital and mobile publishing solutions – including digital editions of magazines, books, journals, gallery exhibition catalogues and a wide range of other print publications. We've become known as iPad magazine app specialists in London.
We provide fast, technologically advanced and cost-effective solutions that propel our clients into the digital publishing arena.
EVERY TITLE IS UNIQUE
The Red C team does not believe one solution fits all. We're happy to produce simple digital editions (the traditional swipe, pinch and rotate PDFs) but encourage our clients to keep future-proof their technology – as it's by far the most effective way to grow and continue to engage a user base.
We also believe that titles need to be able to adapt and grow within the digital arena. Via the Red C platform our clients' digital editions can easily be updated with both data and functionality – at any time.
INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY THAT'S GOING PLACES
HTML5 is rocking the apps world – hailed as the future for publishing apps, its advantages are many: apps can be published to multiple platforms, pages resize beautifully on rotation, no font limitations. Yet some editions are best placed as specific native versions – such as Fabergé's Art Journal for the iPad, which is a striking showcase for the contemporary art and stories surrounding the brand's fascinating heritage. Flagged by Apple as the no 2 New & Noteworthy iPad app for over a month, it is reaching its target market perfectly – in fact downloads have far exceeded expectations.
Technology can be a minefield, but Red C specialists can advise you as to the most suitable and likely to succeed options for your brand and budget.
Red C Publishing Services:
- Low one-off cost: Red C has invested over a quarter of a million pounds in building a system that cuts costs dramatically for our clients.
- Fast: our proprietary system enables extremely fast turnarounds – i.e. within a week for a simple magazine app.
- Cutting-edge technology: simply replicating print editorial in a digital format is great, but not enough. Tablet and smartphone users have high digital expectations. They expect to see interactive elements, embedded movies and live information.
- Bespoke stylish design: or Red C will work directly with your in-house designer.
- Inbuilt advertising: monitise your app by linking the ads to webpages within the app.
- Detailed analytics: in-depth app usage and advertising statistics by region.
- NO tie-in.
- NO ongoing commission.
- NOT just one fixed solution: Red C can convert your publication into a native iPad, Andriod and Blackberry app and/or an HTML5 web app that will work on all tablets and touch devices. Plus we're always open to new ideas.
- Multiple routes to market: for example, for magazines (via Apple's subscription model) or keep 100% of subs revenues by selling via your own site.
Prices
Standard iPad Magazine App
£2000 Setup fee for each magazine
Plus
£3 per standard image page
£5 per hotspot page (hotspots can link to web pages or PDF’s)
£200 per video
£100 per dynamic HTML5 page
Custom iPad Magazine App
Please fill in our enquiry form for a free quote
Shape Manchester
Shape
Manchester
hello@madebyshape.co.uk
We are a Creative and Digital agency based in Manchester, England. Our work has depth and
theory as well as clean aesthetics and presentation.
Mainly known for designing and building prettyWebsites, but regularly produce design for print including; Brand Identity, Catalogue Design, Photography, Brochures, Posters etc.
With over 6 years of experience in the Design Industry, we are a team made up of Young and
Fresh creatives, including University Lecturers,
and a Magazine Director. Our clients include local, national and international brands - so we are confident Shape can offer a professional service suited to your specific needs. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you want to discuss a project.
New email to be sent for day Visits
Dear Sir/ Madam,
The reason for contacting you was for help with some research within my degree.
I am currently studying BA Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art, and within my second year I would like to prepare myself for after I finish my third year. The reason for contacting ….. is because I would like to research into the different design stages when creating Apps for new technologies. This is an area of design I would like to find out more about to give me a greater understanding for when I return to College in late September.
I appreciate that your extremely busy with work at the minute but I was wondering if you could possibly have a look at the attached PDF with a few pieces of design work I have produced just to get professional feedback as this would immensely help me progress my work further. Or even better would it be possible to visit the studio to talk about the design cycle and stages for developing Apps?
Thank-you for your time
Kind regards
Paul Brandreth
Friday 5 August 2011
Third Year?
Over the summer I have left design work for a few weeks and started to think what would I want to be working as after my third year. At the start of the summer I wanted to concentrate on typography as image. I experimented a bit with typography but struggled to find places where it could be used within industry unless it was freelance. Now I have looked at what I can produce well and I think my strength is information graphics, layout and typography. I have been thinking where this could be used which would be challenging and I could find interesting. After winning the YCN with an app, I have decided to research and look into design for new technologies such as the iphone, android and ipad. I plan to find out the basic information and gain a greater understanding of how apps and the format needed to work to for these outputs. Then I would like to visit studios to find out the process of designing the apps. As this would be something I would be interested in.
Response from Rooted Design - Bristol
Hey Paul,
sorry for the slow response, it was nice to get your email.
Different agencies will tell you different things, and will look for different things in your portfolio. Most of my work is within the Arts and Cutural sector of society, so my advice will possibly be very different to any you might get from more corporate design studios who work with finance, business to business etc.
Personally, regardless of the sector you're aiming for, I like seeing evidence of real creativity in a persons work. A lot of designers fill their portfolios with weighty industry names (Nike, Barclays, Sony etc) that they've done some work for, in order, presumably, to get more of the same kind of work. I'm rarely impressed by that stuff because those kinds of companies are so laden with guidelines that it's almost impossible to do anything vaguely creative for them. You're much more likely to be able to flex your creative muscles working for a start up, or for other creative indiviuals or companies. Don't be too averse to designing for free either. 90% of designers will tell you never to work for free, but for me, if it's going to look good in my portfolio then I'll definitely do it for free if there is no chance of getting paid.
You're in your 2nd year so you have a little while to think about it, but for me, I was never interested in working for a big design agency churning out fairly generic work - this is the best way to get paid well, but I prefer to get by modestly, and maintain some creative integrity. That said, it's nice to have a balance to keep afloat. 70% of the work I do is low paid but artistically rewarding, the other 30% is for solicitors, parmaceuticals and the entertainment industry. Without that 30% I'd be very poor, but without the 70% I'd have lost my soul.
After you're studies, if you can afford to, get an internship somewhere decent. I never did this, as they didn't really exist when I finished uni, but they will give you some work to do, which you can stick in your portfolio and it will look great on your CV. Regardless of the design route you want to take, if you can get in with a decent agncy somewhere straight after uni then go for it, even if the work isn't exciting. You'll learn so much about how the industry works, and this will be really valuable if you decide to go freelance.
I hope that helps a bit, not sure if it's what you were after. The PDF you attached looks good and professional, but as I mentioned above, personally I like to see something exciting and wildly creative in a portfolio, even if it's for a person or company I've never heard of. One thing I like to do when things are a little quiet on the work front, is to approach companies that I'm interested in, or that I've seen designs for that I feel could be improved, ie billboards, websites etc, and send them a carefully worded letter suggesting I design something for them, on the basis that they only pay for it if they like it. This has had mixed results for me, but whatever happens you end up with something that you are pleased with that can go straight into the portfolio.
All the best with it & good luck with your final year.
Peter Moffat
www.rooted-design.co.uk
sorry for the slow response, it was nice to get your email.
Different agencies will tell you different things, and will look for different things in your portfolio. Most of my work is within the Arts and Cutural sector of society, so my advice will possibly be very different to any you might get from more corporate design studios who work with finance, business to business etc.
Personally, regardless of the sector you're aiming for, I like seeing evidence of real creativity in a persons work. A lot of designers fill their portfolios with weighty industry names (Nike, Barclays, Sony etc) that they've done some work for, in order, presumably, to get more of the same kind of work. I'm rarely impressed by that stuff because those kinds of companies are so laden with guidelines that it's almost impossible to do anything vaguely creative for them. You're much more likely to be able to flex your creative muscles working for a start up, or for other creative indiviuals or companies. Don't be too averse to designing for free either. 90% of designers will tell you never to work for free, but for me, if it's going to look good in my portfolio then I'll definitely do it for free if there is no chance of getting paid.
You're in your 2nd year so you have a little while to think about it, but for me, I was never interested in working for a big design agency churning out fairly generic work - this is the best way to get paid well, but I prefer to get by modestly, and maintain some creative integrity. That said, it's nice to have a balance to keep afloat. 70% of the work I do is low paid but artistically rewarding, the other 30% is for solicitors, parmaceuticals and the entertainment industry. Without that 30% I'd be very poor, but without the 70% I'd have lost my soul.
After you're studies, if you can afford to, get an internship somewhere decent. I never did this, as they didn't really exist when I finished uni, but they will give you some work to do, which you can stick in your portfolio and it will look great on your CV. Regardless of the design route you want to take, if you can get in with a decent agncy somewhere straight after uni then go for it, even if the work isn't exciting. You'll learn so much about how the industry works, and this will be really valuable if you decide to go freelance.
I hope that helps a bit, not sure if it's what you were after. The PDF you attached looks good and professional, but as I mentioned above, personally I like to see something exciting and wildly creative in a portfolio, even if it's for a person or company I've never heard of. One thing I like to do when things are a little quiet on the work front, is to approach companies that I'm interested in, or that I've seen designs for that I feel could be improved, ie billboards, websites etc, and send them a carefully worded letter suggesting I design something for them, on the basis that they only pay for it if they like it. This has had mixed results for me, but whatever happens you end up with something that you are pleased with that can go straight into the portfolio.
All the best with it & good luck with your final year.
Peter Moffat
www.rooted-design.co.uk
Placement
Over the summer I have been trying to gain a work placement. I have tried over twenty agencies but getting a reply is hard enough never mind asking for a placement. I have now decided to ask for a day visit to studios and take it from there to ask for a placement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)